Parishville pays tribute to Civil War veteran

PARISHVILLE - For the past 101 years the body of Webster L. Howe laid in an unmarked grace in the Hill Crest Cemetery.

While the grave in front of Mr. Howes, belonging to his brother Rufus, was marked with Rufus name, as well as that of his wife and two other members of his family, Mr. Howe laid in rest behind his little brother underneath a simple stone that didnt even bear his name, let alone pay tribute to his military service.

That all changed though on Friday, when the Parishville Historical Association teamed up with Parishville Amvets Post 265 to dedicate a plaque bearing Mr. Howes name, along with a grave marker indicating that he served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.

How often do you get to recognize someone who fought in the Civil War? asked Amvets Post 265 Commander Ron Ferguson. Its amazing to be a part of something like this and to honor someone after more than 100 years.

Also in attendance at the service was a great, great nephew of Mr. Howes, Lee N. Houser, who traveled to Parishville from Clifton Springs, N.Y.

Mr. Houser said that Mr. Howe had three other brothers who also fought in the Civil War, including Rufus, David, who is buried in Wisconsin and Russell, who is buried in Michigan.

It means a lot to me that were finally honoring him after 100 years, Mr. Houser said. Every veteran should have a grave marker with their distinguished service on it.

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